With Hugo Ekitike facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury, Liverpool suddenly find themselves with an unexpected problem.
The club invested heavily in rebuilding its attack this summer, but losing Ekitike so early in the season has left Andoni Iraola short of options.
That raises an interesting question.
Could Darwin Núñez actually be the perfect short-term solution?
Liverpool Need Another Striker
On paper, Liverpool still possess quality attacking players.
Alexander Isak remains the main focal point of the attack, while Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa can operate across the front line.
However, Ekitike’s injury has exposed a lack of genuine centre-forward depth.
A long season lies ahead.
There will be Premier League matches, domestic cups and European commitments.
Relying solely on Isak would be a major risk, particularly given concerns surrounding his own fitness record.
Liverpool therefore need another option.
And Darwin Núñez may represent the most sensible solution available.
Available and Affordable
Unlike many of the strikers currently linked with Europe’s biggest clubs, Núñez is reportedly available without a transfer fee following his departure from Al-Hilal.
That immediately makes him an attractive option.
Liverpool would not need to spend £50m, £60m or even £100m on another forward.
Instead, they could bring in a player already familiar with the club, the city, and the demands of Premier League football.
For a short-term solution, that matters.
He Already Knows Liverpool
One of the biggest advantages of a potential return is familiarity.
Núñez would not need months to adapt.
He already understands the expectations at Anfield.
He knows the pressure.
He knows the supporters.
And he knows many of the players still within the squad.
That could allow him to contribute immediately.
A Different Type of Option
Even during his first spell at Liverpool, Núñez offered qualities few defenders enjoyed facing.
His pace, physicality and relentless movement constantly created problems.
While his finishing divided opinion, his ability to stretch defences and create chaos was undeniable.
Under Iraola’s high-intensity system, those attributes could become even more valuable.
The Spaniard has built his reputation on aggressive, front-foot football.
Núñez’s energy would fit naturally into that approach.
Why It Makes Sense
Liverpool do not necessarily need a long-term replacement.
They need cover.
They need competition.
They need someone capable of stepping in while Ekitike recovers.
Núñez ticks those boxes.
He would arrive with experience, familiarity and something to prove.
Most importantly, he would provide Liverpool with an extra attacking option without forcing the club into another expensive transfer.
The Risks
Of course, there are risks.
Núñez remains a player who divides opinion among supporters.
His inconsistency in front of goal was one of the main reasons Liverpool eventually moved on.
Bringing him back would inevitably generate debate.
But as a short-term solution rather than a long-term project, the calculation changes.
Liverpool would not be asking him to carry the attack.
They would simply be asking him to contribute.
A Deal Worth Considering?
Whether Liverpool actually pursue such a move remains to be seen.
However, with Ekitike injured and the season already presenting challenges, Núñez represents an option that makes more sense than many supporters might initially think.
He is available.
He is affordable.
He knows the club.
And under the right circumstances, he could provide exactly the depth Liverpool currently need.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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